DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — Starting today the Miami University football players will feel the heat.

The RedHawks open preseason practice this afternoon at Yager Stadium in the middle of a heat wave, and even if the temperature drops, they'll still face a different kind of heat — the pressure of proving that last year's 2-10 record was a fluke.

"The season can't get here fast enough," Miami senior strong safety Robbie Wilson said Thursday, noting that "injuries and inexperience is what killed us last year."

The second-year starter from Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy added that "we have something to prove, and we're excited about the talent and experience we have coming back."

The RedHawks will hold single-practice sessions for five days and then switch to a two-a-day schedule on Wednesday.

Miami's regular season opens Aug. 30 at Ball State.

Today's practice is expected to begin at 4 p.m., and the temperature is expected to be in the 90s.

"It's nothing new," Wilson said of the opening of summer practice. "It's something most of us have done since we were young. Of course, we're going to complain, but that's what we do."

One main difference between practice in college and high school, Wilson said, is that "everything is mapped out, not only for practice, but for the whole day" at the collegiate level.

Wilson remembered how last year he would wake up, eat breakfast and then work out in the training room, all before the meetings started at 8 a.m.

"Oh yeah, we've got meetings to last a lifetime," Wilson said.

"I ask myself 'Why?' every day," Wilson added with a grin. "It's a daily (ordeal) to get yourself up."

Wilson, one of six returning starters on Miami's defense, ranked fifth on the team in tackles last year and was tied for the lead in both fumble recoveries and forced fumbles.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.